by Jenika Snow
She watched as he climbed out of the truck, his dark boots hitting the ground, his muscular legs coming into view. She’d be outright lying if she said she hadn’t thought about him constantly since that time in the woods. She’d be a fool if she didn’t admit, if only to herself, that she couldn’t stop visualizing his naked body and all that power he exuded.
He shut the door and looked at the house, but as he swept his gaze over the outside of it, stopping on the kitchen window, she darted to the side and away from his view. She was nervous, didn’t know if she should act like she wasn’t here, because honestly she had no clue how to proceed with this.
Jessie hadn’t been lying or playing hard to get when she said she wasn’t mentally ready for a mate, that she had too much shit going on with her life. She’d barely gotten Brenna’s ashes back, the cremation in Brenna’s will, and wasn’t even finished going through all of her stuff yet.
And then she heard three hard, masculine knocks on her front door. Yeah, they’d sounded masculine, as if his very essence had come through the old, scarred wood.
Pushing herself away from the counter and out of the kitchen, she knew she looked like shit, with her hair a wild mess around her head, dirt and dust on her shirt, and sweat stains soaking the material of her shirt between her breasts and down the length of her spine. But she didn’t care, because this was who she was, filth and all, and he’d have to come to accept that.
She reached out, wrapped her hand around the brass, and for a second just held it, let the chill dissipate as her body heat warmed it. Taking one more deep breath she turned the handle and opened the door.
He stood there in a pair of worn jeans that fit his muscular, tree trunk sized thighs like they were made just for that purpose. The shirt he wore was plain and white, but the sheer size of him, the sight of his muscles clearly visible beneath the material, the definition and bumps of his six-pack clearly on display, had her clenching her thighs together. She didn’t want to seem needy, didn’t want him to think that what she wanted was to be fucked … to be claimed.
Yes, it was primal, instinctive, and deep down that was what she wanted, because once a shifter found their mate the need to claim them and be claimed rode them hard. But Jessie didn’t have to resort to letting her basic urges control her.
She didn’t move away from the door to let him in, and he didn’t say anything. They just stood there and watched each other, the electricity bouncing between them clear, connected, and real. She felt that zing down to her toes and the tips of her fingers, and as much as she had elation and happiness moving through her at this moment, guilt was also there.
“How did you find out where I lived?” Jessie tried to sound upset, and there was a part of her that was offended he’d obviously looked her up. But the other part, the mated, animal part, liked that he’d gone to these lengths to find her, to not let her escape. She’d heard enough about what being mated was like, even if it wasn’t from someone she knew directly.
His short dark hair was stylishly disheveled, and the way he watched her with this unfazed dark eyes had her entire body tightening.
“I memorized your license plate when you left me standing there with my dick hard.”
She felt her cheeks get hot as she blushed. His matter-of-fact and to the point attitude was refreshing, but she also wasn’t used to someone being so blunt. “You don’t think it’s crossing the line to find out personal information on someone that clearly didn’t want to be bothered?” Curling her hand around the edge of the door, she tried to appear calm, but she knew she failed. She knew this moose shifter could sense her, tell how off balance she was.
He lifted one massively broad shoulder in a shrug. “If it concerns my mate who wouldn’t even tell me her name before she left?” He shook his head. “No, I don’t think it was crossing a line to make sure my mate knew I wasn’t going anywhere.”
“I said I wasn’t ready for … this.” She gestured about them with her hand between them. “I have a lot going on in my life right now.”
“I can see that, and I’m not pushing. I just want you to know I’m not going anywhere, and that when you’re ready I’m here.”
That had her stunned, not because she knew anything about him and was surprised he was being so understanding, but because he knew when a male was mated they were overly alpha, territorial, and possessive. Staying away from one’s mate was painful, literally, and with each passing day that need grew until it was so intense there was no denying it. Several days had already passed, and Jessie found her need for this male stronger than when she first saw him.
“I’m Easton, by the way. Figured we should know each other’s names since, you know, we’re mated and all.” He didn’t sound like he was teasing, and his expression was stoic.
She swallowed, knowing that if this male was willing to give her the time she needed to sort through her emotions and the death of Brenna, she had no right to push him aside. Besides, she knew she couldn’t just ignore this between them, couldn’t just stop the fact she was mated. It was a forever kind of thing, and if they could start out being friends, even if only until she was ready to take it to that next level, then she was willing to give this a shot.
“I’m Jessie.” Stepping aside, she dropped her hand to her side and allowed him entrance. “If you’d like to come in, please do. It’s messy though. I’m going through … things.” She knew if they were going to take this whole mated and claimed thing to the next level they’d have to be honest with each other.
He smiled, and it was genuine, sincere. The act changed the entire way he looked, made that hardness in him change into something softer. Jessie knew, for some reason, that the smile really had just been for her, and that he wasn’t the type of male to show a whole lot of emotion.
Easton stepped inside, his arm brushing along hers, and this shiver worked its way through her entire body. Her serval had been at the surface of her body since the moment she’d seen him stepping out of that huge vehicle, but having him so close now, scenting him, feeling the pull of being his mate, was enough to have her nails lengthening, her teeth elongating into fangs, and her animal taking control.
No. I can’t do this now, no matter how much you want to be claimed.
She was talking to herself and her cat, because even if she did want this, her life was chaotic right now.
Shutting the door and turning around, Jessie took in the sight of him for a suspended second. He had his back to her, his massively huge body taking up the small entryway. He was a big male, his moose genetics making him one of the biggest shifters she’d ever seen. He was looking at the pictures on the wall, the ones of her and Brenna when Jessie was younger. She was sure he had questions, probably smelled the despair and sadness in the air, but he didn’t say anything, and she was thankful for that.
Right now Jessie just wanted to focus on this situation. After he was gone she could go back to sorting through Brenna’s things, letting her emotions control her, and then figuring out what in the hell she was going to do with her life, mated or not.
Chapter Seven
Easton stared at the pictures on the wall, recognizing Jessie when she was younger right away, and he felt like an even bigger ass for showing up. He scented the death that lingered in the air, his mate’s sadness, and her pain. She was hurting, and he could assume by the scent and taking in the disarray of the house, the boxes by the door, that someone close to her had died. He’d never push her, never question what was wrong, even if he had a feeling he already knew. She would tell him when she was ready, and until then he’d just be here for support. This mating was new to him, too, and he was just trying to figure out how to go about it. Pushing her was not what he wanted to do, and it was clear he’d have to learn to be understanding with her and how she felt.
Easton turned around and faced her. Jessie was pressed against the door, staring at him, watching him, and trying to hide her emotions. But he could pick them up as easily as if they were writt
en along the walls. Even if he hadn’t gotten her address from Maverick, if he’d somehow managed to scent her out, Easton would have known right away this was her place. The scent of her surrounded it, filled his head, and had every animal instinct in him rising up to protect it … her, at all costs.
And then he’d felt her watching him, sensed her gaze on him as he stood there. It had made him feel good, in a way. Having a mate was something that changed a shifter’s life, and his was certainly being turned upside down. For several days he’d stayed away, forcing himself to give her time to fully realize what he was to her, what they were to each other. He’d taken Jason’s advice, giving her space, and knew that was the best course of action. But fucking hell was it hard.
Even after he’d gotten her address he’d waited a day, just stared at the email that Maverick had sent him with her name, address, and phone number. Declan and Maverick had been willing to give him all of her personal information, but he’d declined. When he learned about her it would be because she’d shared that with him, not because he’d dug deep into her life. Getting her address, name, and number had felt wrong as it was.
Easton had never been known to give anyone space, and he sure as hell wasn’t known for his reputation for being empathetic. But this concerned his mate, and that meant everything was different. He was different.
He knew if he pushed his mate too hard she would never be able to trust him or give herself over to him. The need to care for her, protect her, and please her above all else rode him hard the moment he had first seen her, but he was an isolated asshole by nature, a very dominant male, and taking a step back to look at it from her point of view was a lot harder than he ever thought.
So here he was, standing in front of her, trying to be a good mate in a very uncertain situation. Neither spoke, but there didn’t need to be any words said, because the electricity and pull that had been between them was strong, stronger than ever. It was like in that very short time being apart from her had made him want her more, crave her more.
Easton lowered his gaze and stared at her feet. Her toenails were painted red, and her feet femininely arched, small, delicate even. She had curves, lushness, roundness to her, and next to him so was so damn fragile. He continued to let his gaze travel up her calves, and stopped at her nice thick thighs.
Fuck.
All he could think about was those plump thighs wrapped around his waist, tightening around him as he claimed her, thrust into her. She was a mess with dirt and dust on her cheeks, in her hair. He made a low sound in his throat, not able to control it.
He inhaled deeply, could smell the arousal coming from his little cat. Yeah, his mate wanted him, but was fighting him every step of the way. Continuing to let himself enjoy the view, he was surprised she hadn’t either kneed him in the dick or demanded he leave. He was being crude right now by checking her out, knowing he should show more respect, but unable to stop the need pounding inside of him.
Easton continued to lift his gaze, not able to show some class or respect, not when his animal was taking over. He stopped when he got to her breasts, and his cock grew harder at the sight of her nipples protruding through the material. Goddamn, his mate wasn’t wearing a bra, clearly. He needed to tear his gaze away from all that plump goodness because he was two seconds away from tackling her to the floor, ripping that too big and dirty shirt from her body, tearing away her shorts and panties, and claiming her right here. Easton had never been a male that had those kinds of primal, intense needs, but the longer he went without claiming his mate, the more it became unbearable.
He could hear the harsh breathing that came from her, knew this situation was affecting her the same as him. But neither spoke, neither moved.
“Exactly why are you here?” she asked finally, her voice strained, tight. Jessie was nervous and aroused, and it caused a tingling sensation in his nose and a tightening in his balls.
Clearing his throat, he tried to think of a good reason on why he’d looked up her address and shown up out of the blue. But she had to know why he was here, that finding his mate meant he couldn’t stay away.
“You know why,” was all he said, because it was all he could say. He trailed his gaze up and down her body once more, the urge to adjust his shaft strong, noticeable. His moose wanted her to feel completely off balance and bared for him, the same as he felt for her.
Take your time with her. Don’t rush her or you’ll lose your mate.
“So, you’re here,” she said and then swallowed. “How did you get my address?” Despite her question, he could tell by the tone of her voice she wasn’t upset by it. Good, because that’s not what he’d been going for. He didn’t want Jessie upset with him.
“I know some males that can find out information.” Christ, she was all curves and soft, rounded flesh. He inhaled deeply, and couldn’t help but close his eyes and let a low, harsh sound leave him, one of satisfaction and of ownership, even if he hadn’t claimed her yet. “It was wrong to look you up, but I didn’t have any other way, unless I scoured the town for you.”
She didn’t respond, but he could hear her heart beating faster.
“You’re my mate, and even if I’ll give you space, time, I couldn’t let you walk away. You have to understand that.”
She looked down at her bare feet for a moment, and when she lifted her gaze he saw that she accepted this. “I know.”
He smiled down at her, wanting to touch her, but clenching his hands at his sides instead.
“In all honesty I probably would have looked you up, tried to find out who you were after I had everything situated in my life.”
He nodded, not speaking and just letting her have this time.
She may not fully realize, or maybe she did and was fighting it like he had in the beginning, but Jessie was his completely. As much as Easton wanted to stand right beside her, feel her heat, take her scent into his lungs, and press himself against her fully, he didn’t want to make her uncomfortable, didn’t want to seem like he couldn’t even control himself. He would push her, but only as much as she was willing to give, and only when she was fully in this with him.
Scrubbing a hand over his mouth, he couldn’t tear his eyes away from her, couldn’t ignore the heat that washed through him and his animal that yes, he was really right in front of his mate.
“I want to be here for you, Jessie, and it can be as slow or as fast as you like.” He saw the way her throat worked as she swallowed, and as hard as it was for him to give up any control, especially in matters that concerned his mate, he’d do anything for her. “You have the control.”
Easton took a step closer to her, which had her moving back until the door stopped her from retreating from him anymore. “Spend the day with me. Let me take you out, show you I can be a good, understanding mate.” He stared into her eyes. “I can show you that being with me, letting me claim you, wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world.” He smiled, hoping to ease her tension.
She held his gaze. For several long seconds neither said anything else, but then she inhaled deeply and licked her lips.
“You’re giving me control, letting me lead the way?”
Only this time, mate, and only until you’re ready for me to be the male you need in your life.
He nodded, but the alpha in him had a hard fucking time relinquishing any power.
It’s for my female.
“I’m not sure I can ever be a good mate, Easton,” she whispered.
He couldn’t keep his eyes from closing at the sound of her saying his name. He didn’t know what she meant by that statement, but he was a patient male. Fate had put them together as mates, and even if for whatever fucked up reason she thought she couldn’t be what he needed, he would just have to show her how much she was wrong. He needed her in his life.
“How can you say that without giving this a shot?”
She shook her head but didn’t respond.
“How can you even think that without giving us a chance?
” He stared into her blue eyes but didn’t give her a chance to answer that question. Easton could see she understood him well enough. “I can’t just leave you, Jessie. I won’t, but I can take my time, as much time as you need, in fact.”
“I don’t think I’ve ever met a male like you.” She smiled softly, and that one act had his fucking heart slamming hard against his ribs.
“Can we take one day at a time? Can we start out with me just taking you to lunch?”
Her blue eyes were so big, so expressive, that he didn’t think she realized how easily he could read her.
“I don’t know,” she said, but there wasn’t any strength behind the words.
“What do you have to lose?”
It took her a moment to answer, but finally she exhaled and dropped her gaze to his chest. He didn’t want that, didn’t want her hiding her emotions from him, even if it was just her breaking eye contact. Taking hold of her chin between his thumb and forefinger, he lifted her head so she was forced to look at him again.
“Don’t fight the inevitable. Just let me show you I can be that person you lean on, can rely on. And when you’re ready, if you’re ready, we can take it to the next level,” Easton said softly, meaning everything he’d said to her. “Let me buy my mate some food and get to know her better.” He smiled again, hoping to appear nonthreatening, because no matter how gentle he tried to be, he knew he was rough around the edges. It wasn’t something he could help, no matter how much he wanted to show his mate that he would drop to his knees before her and worship her like the goddess she was.
“Okay, Easton.”
And just like that his world felt complete.
Chapter Eight
Several days later
A part of Jessie felt bad for going to lunch with Easton, not because she didn’t like him, but because everything with Brenna was still so fresh. One of the major factors pushing Jessie into going out with Easton was a voice in her head, one that sounded like Brenna, telling her that she couldn’t live her life in mourning. It made Jessie sad, but she also knew that moping around the house wouldn’t do anything to help her. Maybe she’d feel better, have her emotions less jagged, if she explored this mating with the moose shifter?